Tag Archives: black panther

Why Malcolm X is not Killmonger

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When I was growing up I would hear the name Malcolm X and immediately think radical revolutionary, “By any means necessary” and that he was the total opposite of Dr. King. What many of us fail to see is that Malcolm X is an example of growth and spiritual awareness. His journey was public and he was brave enough to share it with the world.

We do a disservice to the legacy of Malcolm when we liken what he has done or his stance to fictional characters. In the spotlight of the Marvel blockbuster Black Panther there are those who liken the anti-hero Killmonger portrayed by Michael B. Jordan as a representation of Malcolm. Killmonger may have a passion for his people but he is fueled by vengeance and is a murderer. That was not Malcolm.

Upon his return from Mecca, Malcolm became enlightened and recognized that spiritually we are one under the umbrella of the creator. This did not make him less adamant about fighting for freedom for our people, it provided insight and made him aware that this fight for freedom is for ALL people.

50 years ago Malcolm X was murdered in Harlem. We remember this day with reverence and insight. Physically he is not with us but the spirit of his enlightenment, his courage to challenge the status quo and stand by his ideals will always be with us. We honor him for this. Thank you Malcolm.

-Precise

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Is Assata Shakur safe now that Fidel has died?

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Assata Shakur – Photo Source: instagram @haliesalassie96

Former Black Panther Assata Shakur may be adversely affected by the recent death of Cuba’s former leader Fidel Castro.

Assata explains in her own words what happened and why she currently has political asylum in Cuba.

“My name is Assata (“she who struggles”) Olugbala ( “for the people” ) Shakur (“the thankful one”), and I am a 20th century escaped slave. Because of  government persecution, I was left with no other choice than to flee from the political repression, racism and violence that dominate the US government’s policy towards people of color. I am an ex political prisoner, and I have been living in exile in Cuba since 1984. I have been a political activist most of my life, and although the U.S. government has done everything in its power to criminalize me, I am not a criminal, nor have I ever been one. In the 1960s, I participated in various struggles: the black liberation movement, the student rights movement, and the movement to end the war in Vietnam. I  joined the Black Panther Party. By 1969 the Black Panther Party had become the number one organization targeted by the FBI’s COINTELPRO program. because the Black Panther Party demanded the total liberation of black people, J. Edgar  Hoover called it “greatest threat to the internal security of the country” and  vowed to destroy it and its leaders and activists.”

The lines of communication have opened between Cuba and the United States after a vote by the United Nations urged the United States to lift the economic embargo in 2015. As a result of this vote both countries are now on speaking terms and travel restrictions are being lifted.

The FBI is currently offering a reward of up to 1,000,000 for the apprehension of Assata. She was charged with a murder in 1973. She was found guilty of first degree murder in 1977 and was sentenced to life in prison. She escaped and now lives in Cuba.

Now that the two countries are communicating, what will they be willing to do to sweeten any deals that may be in the works. Will Assata be used as a pawn. Their is a cry for President Obama to grant her a pardon before he leave office. Twitter is talking.

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Jean Grae joins forces with Marvel for Black Panther Soundtrack

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Jean Grae a Hip-Hop superhero of sorts has partnered with Marvel and released “What You Came For” The track is epic and is totally fitting for Marvel’s upcoming movie Black Panther written by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Grae sounds inspired over the Quelle Chris produced track. This dynamic duo has been churning out some creative stuff lately. I’m looking forward to see whats next.

Jean had this to say about the collaboration with Marvel “The amount of things recently that have made my heart soar are very minimal. It’s been a traumatic, gut-wrenching time. Getting the call to be a part of this project did make my heart soar. Getting a call from Marvel to do anything should do that, and it does—but it’s Black Panther, and Ta-Nehisi is writing it. I can’t think of any other artistic contribution that I would have wanted to do right now.”

-Eddy “Precise” Lamarre